“So, what do you want then?” she asked provocatively, with a shake of her head. She was slightly tipsy and couldn’t help the feeling that there was something leading in this situation. It was this thought that was giving her butterflies.

“Get off me Black,” she almost shouted, shrugging his hands off her shoulders and spinning out of his grasp. She tripped backwards over the hoop and fell into the arms of James Potter, who happened to be the closest person to her. Could this get any more embarrassing?

The night air was cold and awakening as it rushed at her face and whipped her hair out behind her. She clung tight to Sirius’s waist as they sped across the grounds towards the castle entrance, realising only at the last minute that the gates were locked.

“Of course there will be a summer party!” enthused Slughorn. “What can you think of me? And of course you’ll bring a plus one – maybe Mr. Black....? But then, well, it’s nothing to do with me. However I do think someone may be a little disappointed if you were to take this young man” (he gestured towards Sirius) instead of him.”

“Nothing you do ever surprises me.” he said, making Lily smile. It reminded her of the old Severus, the boy she had used to respect and look up to, as having superior knowledge of the wizarding world. Unexpectedly, Severus smiled back. Lily put a hand on his folded arms.

“Remus –" said Lily, "Is that the reason they stopped picking on Severus so much? Because they were scared he would tell everyone the truth?” The thought horrified her. She had believed the marauders had changed, but perhaps they hadn’t...

“Oh my God Lily!” said her Ravenclaw friend, “Did you see Sirius Black’s face this morning? And you know, I think it was James Potter, of all people, that did it. I mean don’t take my word for it, I’m just guessing, but I’m usually right about these things. They were acting very wierd at breakfast.”